GL: Hudson loops

[LRZeitlin@aol.com]

Like the fabled blind men and the elephant, everyone has a different view of 
loops involving the Hudson and the Erie Canal. If you traverse the Hudson and 
Erie in a hurry to get somewhere, you can do the whole thing in a couple of 
weeks. If you want to explore and cherish every sight and experience, a dozen 
years wouldn't be enough. The Hudson, the Erie Canal, Lake Champlain, the Finger 
Lakes, The St. Lawrence, the Ottawa River, Georgian Bay contain an 
extraordinary density of attractions, interim destinations, historic sites, and scenic 
wonders. 

There are several vacation time advantages to a Hudson loop trip. Distances 
between desirable destinations are comparatively short. With the exception of a 
trip across Lake Ontario, you are never out of sight of land. The weather in 
the summer is usually benign and harbors for anchoring out are plentiful. 
There is a fairly extensive marine infrastructure along much of the trip for 
repairs, refueling, resupply and just shoreside R&R.

There is much truth in what everyone has written. Dennis is certainly correct 
in that for best enjoyment, you should plan to make no more than 10 to 15 
miles per day, certainly less than 20. Also, don't be so fixated on a destination 
that you neglect to make the side trips. One of the most enjoyable parts of a 
cruise on the Erie Canal is to explore the Finger Lakes reachable by a short 
journey on the Seneca/Cayuga spur. Many loopers visit Ithaca, intending to 
dock their boats at the wonderful state run Treman Marina for just a few days, 
but end up staying the entire summer. Opportunities for wine tasting and fine 
dining alone make this part of the trip most worthwhile.

And don't neglect Lake Champlain. This unspoiled fresh water paradise is the 
destination of choice for boaters from all over the eastern portion of the US 
and Canada. While not quite as primitive and rugged as Georgian Bay, it is far 
more centrally located.

I have been exploring the Hudson, the Erie Canal, Lake Champlain and their 
associated waterways for the last 40 years and I still can't say that I have 
exhausted the possibilities of the region. Too bad the season is so short.

Larry Z